Sage

Salvia miltiorrhiza

Derived from the Latin word salvere, meaning “to be saved,” sage is an herb used for both it’s culinary properties, aroma and used in spiritual practices. Often picked before budding, sage produces blue to purple flowers.

Some believed sage was the key to long life. Greeks and Romans used sage to preserve meat. The tradition remained until the invention of refrigerators. Native Americans use said to ward off bad luck and Hungarian gypsies believed it dispelled evil. Egyptians used sage for fertility while a Greek physician used sage to stop bleeding, treat sprains.

“Sage is good for head and brain, it makes the senses and memory more alert, strengthens the nerves, repairs the health of the disabled and cures limbs,” herbalist Gerard wrote.

The leaf of sage is used for medicinal purposes such as digestive problems, painful menstruation and mouth sores.

Externally sage has been used to treat sprains, swelling, ulcers and bleeding. Also used in culinary dishes as a spice and also an aid to digestion. Cosmetically, sage can be used to darken hair.

Internally sage has been used as a tea to treat sore throats, cough and also menstrual bleeding.

Because of its antibiotic properties, sage can make an effective mouth wash (add a few drops of essential oil to salty water) and is an ingredient in many herbal toothpastes.

Today sage is used for meals, cosmetics, tea – but is also still used spiritually.

Dried sage is commonly used for “smudging” or purifying with herbs. Smudging can be used to purify a room or an object or just for aromatherapy. Those who practice metaphysics often smudge crystals and gems to wash away negative energy.